Conjunctions

Definition:

Conjunctions are words which join clauses or smaller units of a sentence together. Without them, many sentences would be very short!

• In many ways, conjunctions are the links in syntactic chains, which is why some people call them connectives
  
  No respectable person would visit Devon and miss out on the cream tea! We ordered scones, jam and clotted cream, the full works. Unfortunately, the pastoral idyll was somewhat dampened when the rain started. It rained and rained and rained.
  
  
  
• Common conjunctions include: and, but, because, that, when, if, or.

Conjuncts:

Another sub-word class is the conjunct. The conjunct, strictly speaking is an adverbial, but its connecting function means it shares similarities with conjunctions. Whereas the conjunction links units within sentences, the conjunct can link clauses within sentences and make links between sentences. Thus conjuncts play an important role in establishing cohesion within texts.

• Common conjuncts include: firstly, likewise, furthermore, finally, moreover, to conclude, altogether, therefore, consequently, otherwise, in that case, rather, on the other hand, however, incidentally, meanwhile...
  
  
  
• Distinguishing between conjuncts and conjunctions is not difficult. In general, the position of a conjunction is fixed between the two units it is linking. However, a conjunct is more mobile and can stand in various positions.
  
  Consider:
  
  However, a conjunct is more mobile
  A conjunct, however, is more mobile
  A conjunct is more mobile, however,
  
  But:
  
  However, a conjunct is more mobile and can stand in various positions.
  And can stand in various positions, however, a conjunct is more mobile. !!!
  However, a conjunct is more mobile, can stand in various positions and. !!!

            

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